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Year: 2019

Police: Kan. burglary suspect’s shorts torn sliding through vent

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SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and need help identify a suspect.

photos Wichita Police

Just before 2a.m. Sunday, a suspect ended the Heritage Restaurant in the 4500 Block of South Broadway in Wichita, according to officer Kevin Wheeler.

The suspect entered the business through a roof vent. As the suspect attempted to slide through the vent, his shoe came off and the shorts he was wearing were torn.

The suspect fell into the kitchen and roamed around the restaurant. He then ate chicken fingers out of the refrigerator and stole lottery tickets. There was also pry damage found to a storage shed where he attempted to enter.

The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic male, 6-foot tall and 200 pounds. He has a short buzz cut with a full beard, a sleeve tattoo on his right arm, and was wearing a black Raiders shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Unemployment rate dips in Ellis, Rooks counties

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TOPEKA — Preliminary estimates reported by the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.2 percent in August. This was down from 3.3 percent in July and down from 3.3 percent in August 2018.

“The unemployment rate fell to 3.2 percent in August for the first time in more than 20 years, and Kansas employers in the private sector added 4,200 jobs. This growth was widespread with four industries contributing at least 1,000 jobs each,” said Secretary Delía García.

In northwest Kansas, jobless rates remain extremely low. Ellis County unemployment fell from 2.8 percent in July to 2.5 percent in August. Rooks County, which saw its economy take a hit in 2019 with stride at Dessin Fournir and Plainville Livestock Commission, saw its jobless rate fall from a regional high of 4.3 percent in July to 3.7 percent in August.

Trego, Graham, Ness, Rush and Russell counties also posted August jobless rates in excess of 3 percent.

Wichita County had the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 2 percent.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 7,900 from July. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 4,200 from the previous month.

“Kansas has seen significant growth in the number of private sector jobs compared to last August,” said Labor Economist, Emilie Doerksen. “This has been broad economic growth, with all 10 of the major private sector industries either remaining stable or adding jobs over the year.”

Since August 2018, Kansas gained 15,500 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs and 17,800 private sector jobs.

The September 2019 Labor Report will be released Oct. 18.

Donald Lee Coleman

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Donald Lee Coleman, 60, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.

Donald was born November 17, 1958 in Russell. He was one of three children born to Robert & Sharon (Jones) Coleman. He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School. He then attended a Vo-Tech College in Wichita, Kansas where he obtained a degree in mechanics.

Donald was united in marriage to Tina Raye Grubbs on August 20, 2016 in Russell. They made their home in Russell.

Donald worked for the Russell County Highway Department as a Mechanic for over 32 years before his retirement. Before that, he worked at the Ford Dealership in Russell as a Mechanic. He was a member of the 1st Southern Baptist Church of Russell. He was active in the Russell Muzzleloaders Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, watching sci fi television shows, watching the Kansas City Chiefs and chocolate. His greatest joy was his children and grandchildren. “PaPa Don” loved spending time and playing games with his grandchildren, especially the Wahoo Board game.

Donald’s surviving family include his wife Tina of the home; sons, Donnie Coleman (Kalena) of Russell, Kansas and Stephan Coleman (Cassie) of Russell, Kansas; daughter, Stacey Holley (Dungan) of Hays, Kansas; step-son, Tom Hinds (Chelsey) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; step-daughter, Lyndie Murillo (Michael) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; mother, Sharon Hilgenberg of Russell, Kansas; brother, Darin Coleman of Russell, Kansas; sister, Connie Koch (Jim) of Russell, Kansas; and 17 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert.

The family will be present to greet friends from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at the 4-H Building – South Room. Celebration of Donald’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, with Rev. Jim Alexander officiating. A Private Family burial of ashes will follow at a later time. The family requested cremation, so no visitation being held. A Memorial has been established with the Russell Junior Bronco Football Program. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.

Police: 2 students made up social media threat at Kan. high school

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FINNEY COUNTY —  Law enforcement authorities and officials with USD 457 are investigating an alleged threat to Garden City High School.

Just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday, police were made aware of content posted on a social media site suggesting a potential threat to the Garden City High School, according to Police Sgt. Lana Urteaga.

Through the course of the investigation, it was learned there was no threat to the school or students. However, two Garden City high school students created a social media post about another, uninvolved student making a threat to the school.

The uninvolved student did not make a threat to the school, according to Urteaga.

Disciplinary action has been taken by the school for the students involved in making the social media posts. Police encouraged parents to remind your child to report any information about any school safety-related incidents to administrators/staff at school and or the Garden City Police Department.

Diocese of Wichita names 9 priests with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor

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SEDGWICK COUNTY — The Catholic Diocese of Wichita Thursday published a list of diocesan clergy against whom an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor has been substantiated.

Bishop Carl A. Kemme

According to a statement on the diocese website, this list is being published after a comprehensive and independent audit of all clergy files over the last several months by Stephen Robison, a non-Catholic lawyer with many years of experience in criminal and civil investigations, of Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson and Kitch, Attorneys at Law.

Published on the list are the names of nine priests of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, who have substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Included with the nine named priests are an additional six priests, who, though not priests of the diocese, served in the diocese for a period of time, are identified because they were published by other dioceses.

The names, ordination dates, assignment histories and current status are now available on the diocesan website.

All clergy currently listed have either been removed from ministry or are deceased. The majority are deceased. Going forward, the Catholic Diocese of Wichita in cooperation with its Policy on Suspected Abuse of Children will continue to disclose the names of any clergy against whom an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor is substantiated.

Along with the list of substantiated allegations, the Catholic Diocese of Wichita published a l­­etter from Bishop Carl A. Kemme to the faithful and a Questions & Answers document that will hopefully address many of the questions raised.

Mary D. Mead

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Mary D. Mead, 103, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at the Wheatland Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on January 15, 1916, in Johnston, Rhode Island to Germano and Anastasia (Girardi) Torrice who were immigrants of D’Evandro, Italy. Mary was one of 7 children and grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island. She was a secretary in the Pentagon during WWII. She met her future husband Jay Mead, who was from Waldo, Kansas, in Washington DC at a ballgame. Jay and Mary met while Jay was a soldier waiting to be shipped out for overseas duty. After Jay’s return, Mary and Jay were married on October 02, 1944, at the Church of Saint Teresa of Avila in Providence, Rhode Island. Mary would say that her new life began when she moved to Kansas, which meant life would be without butchers and bakers and a great distance from everyone and everything she knew.

She was a quick learner becoming a wonderful homemaker, and everything was made from scratch and laundry was done on a wringer washer and hung outside to dry. She often said she came to Kansas and got healthy. She resided at the homestead near Waldo until November 2000, when she moved to September Apartments in Russell and enjoyed many activities with the ladies who lived there. Mary will be remembered for her ability to put on a meal for a crowd with seemingly little effort. She was a master at cinnamon rolls, homemade pizza and lemon meringue pie that people fought over at community dinners.

Mary is survived by her sons Stephen Mead of Hesston, Kansas, Allen Mead (Sandy) of Kismet, Kansas and Mark Mead (Patty) of Russell, Kansas; daughter Jackie Brown (Kevin) of Oberlin, Kansas; ten grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, sister Yolanda DePalo of Providence, Rhode Island, many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Services are pending at this time, please check back later for funeral service date and time.

Augustine Anthony Christopher Espinosa

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Augustine Anthony Christopher Espinosa, infant son of Alex and Crystal Espinosa, of Colby, was born August 5, 2019, at the Rocky Mountain Children’s Hospital, in Denver and died there September 15, 2019.

He is survived by his parents; grandparents, Alex and Sherry Espinosa, of Garden City, KS, Roger Gibbs, Tracy Kinney, of Denver, CO and Pat Rich, of Lakin, KS and great-grandfather Robert Espinosa, of Blanca, CO.

He was preceded in death by great grandmother Emma Espinosa.

A private family service will be held. Memorials are suggested to Alex and Crystal Espinosa, sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com

LETTER: Another chance for Cold War-era warriors to serve

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Pres. Trump signs The LEGION Act July 30, 2019.

In a significant legislative victory for Cold War Era veterans across Kansas and the Nation, President Trump signed a bill July 30 that declares the United States has been in a state of war since Dec. 7, 1941.

The American Legion sought the declaration as a way to honor approximately 1,600 U.S. servicemembers who were killed or wounded during previously undeclared periods of war.

The LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act) also opens the door for approximately 6 million veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.

“Recognizing the service of these wartime veterans is the right thing do and it is long overdue,” National Commander Brett Reistad said.

“The families of those who were killed or wounded during these wartime acts should take pride in knowing that we recognize their sacrifice and service. Moreover, we are proud to welcome any of the six million living veterans from the previously unrecognized periods into our organization and call them ‘Legionnaires.’”

Now that the legislation has been signed, the American Legion’s eligibility criteria immediately changes from seven war eras to two: April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and Dec. 7, 1941 to a time later determined by the federal government. No other restrictions to American Legion membership are changed.

What does this mean to Cold War Era Veterans across Kansas? The American Legion Post near you is waiting with open arms. Come help us serve our communities veterans, children and first responders and show your community what a group of determined veterans can do to improve our community, state and nation.

Frederick (Rick) Miller
American Legion, Department of Kansas PR Chair
Olathe

Police arrest student after finding e-cigarette with THC at Kan. high school

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BUTLER COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities and USD 402 officials are investigating e-cigarettes and working to inform students about the dangers.

VAPING 360 / FLICKR

The dangers of e-cigarettes are not confined to the health risks related to nicotine only. SRO Meckel and Augusta Schools USD 402 – Augusta High School are working hard to enforce e-cigarette laws and inform youth about the dangers.

According to August police, the school resources officer at Augusta High School arrested one student after confirming the use products in e-cigarettes that contain THC, the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis.  Police also arrested an adult for distributing the substance.

Authorities have found about 1/2 dozen e-cigarette cases since the beginning of the school year, according to police

Campus officers are also equipped with field test kits to identify and classify illegal substances. If a student has an unknown substance police will test it to determine what it is. If it’s illegal – they will get arrested.

The school district reminded students and parents, “vaping devices are never allowed on USD 402 Properties. Our administration, SRO, and public safety officers are being vigilant about stomping these products out of our schools. This is a national issue, and schools around the country are facing this onslaught. Please take time to talk to your children about this topic and partner with us in providing safe schools. If you, or your students, know of any unsafe activities taking place in our schools please make us aware. If you prefer to report anonymously, use our anonymous reporting app “Fight Song!”. “

 

 

Thelma Louise Pettijohn

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Thelma Louise Pettijohn, 87, passed away September 17, 2019, at Sandpiper Health & Rehab, Wichita. She was born November 29, 1931, in Clinton, MO, to Emmett R. and Nettie Ethel (Love) Lowe. She married Richard Pettijohn at Great Bend. He passed from this life September 29, 2004.

A Wichita resident, previously living in Eucha, Okla., and living the majority of her life in Great Bend, was of the Baptist faith. Thelma was a newspaper carrier for the Wichita Eagle and enjoyed spending time with her family.

Survivors include three sons, John Sutton and wife Vicki of Amarillo, Texas, Mark Pettijohn of Brighton, Colo., and Phillip Pettijohn and wife Rhonda of Wichita; three daughters, Barbara Palmer and her significant other Brad Reich of Denver, Becky Ramirez and husband Leon of Woodward, Okla., and Sue Joiner and husband Jay of Virginia; 17 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Pettijohn; parents; and four sisters, Dora, Wanda, Joyce and Emma Lou.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with the family present, Sunday, September 22, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home. Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 23, 2019, at Golden Belt Memorial Park, with Rev. Dick Ogle presiding.

Memorials are suggested to Thelma Pettijohn Memorial Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Berneice Ann Greenwood

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Berneice Ann Greenwood died from her second bout with cancer at 8:19 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2019.
While just having lost her husband of 54 years to cancer in February, Berneice was learning to live on her own. She exhibited the strength that so many of us knew of her and was hoping to someday begin travelling again to see the world.

As a born and raised Kansas woman, Berneice worked hard inside and outside, had plenty of food on hand for those ice storms and folks who just stopped by, always cared for her family physically and emotionally, loved a good game or two or three of pitch or rummy (until she won!), watched G-rated romantic movies, and enjoyed a slow drive at sunset to see the deer.

Whether it was how to be a help mate (the practical one for Ron getting his dreams), powering through adversity (always finding the silver lining), delighting in children (hugs and kisses all around), or fishing with enthusiasm (I got one! I got one!!), Berneice taught by example. She brought humor to our lives with her feigned innocence, funny sayings, ready smile and easy laugh. She loved every gift just because she got to open a package. She was as unique as an individual as her green eyes are to the population.

Berneice lived through more tragedy than most know, which strengthened her faith in God. She held strong to her Catholic faith to the very end, encouraging her children to put God first in their lives. She died peacefully while her children were praying the rosary at her bedside.

We all picture Ron welcoming her at the gates of heaven with other family members around, including her parents, Walt and Toots; her brothers Jerry and Joker; her sister, Betty; and many aunts, uncles, a nephew, and cousins.

Kim, Debby and husband, Randy Pfeifer, James and wife Becky, Tim and wife Teresa, 19 grandchildren and one great granddaughter as well as her siblings Marie and husband Milo Sarchet, Charlie and wife Mary Conant, Evelyn and husband Jeff Fertig, sister-in-law Linda and husband Tom Bartlett, and many family and friends will miss her greatly.

The viewing will be at Plumer Overlease mortuary at 610 24th St., Wilson, KS 67490, from 5 to 8 pm with the rosary at 7:30 pm on Monday, September 23. The funeral mass will be held at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson, Kansas, on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at 10 a.m.

Donations in her memory may be sent to Right to Life, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson, or St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dorrance.

Clyde Luke Scheffe

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Clyde Luke Scheffe, age 89, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Greeley County Hospital in Tribune, Kansas.

Clyde was born February 5, 1930 in Windthorst, Texas, the son of Henry Luke & Catherine Ann (Zihlman) Scheffe. Clyde attended high school at St. Mary Catholic School in Marienthal, Kansas and then worked on the family farm until he left for the service. Clyde served his country in the United States Army, 101st Airborne Division and 81st Engineers during the Korean Conflict. After he was discharged, he headed back to Kansas in 1954 and met the love of his life. On February 19, 1957 he married Inella Marie Baker in Marienthal, Kansas.

They lived in Wichita, Kansas briefly where he was a member of the fire department, before they moved back to Wichita County and took up farming. He wore many hats over the years including dairyman and retired federal crop insurance district director. He enjoyed visiting his family, watching his Dallas Cowboys and a highlight in 2017 was a trip to Washington, DC on an Honor Flight with his fellow servicemen.

Clyde was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas, the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Leoti, Kansas and was a life member of Knights of Columbus in Windthorst, Texas. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Leoti Senior Citizens Center. He loved gardening, playing cards, and his family. His memory will be cherished by many.

Clyde’s surviving family includes-

His wife- Inella Scheffe- Marienthal, Kansas

Clyde & Trisha Scheffe, Jr.- Yoder, Colorado
Karen & Chuck Dierks- Olathe, Kansas
Lonnie & Janet Scheffe- Lees Summit, Missouri
Curtis & Jacque Scheffe- Aledo, Texas
Kelly & Melissa Scheffe- Hutchinson, Kansas
Bryant & Karen Scheffe- Plymouth, Minnesota
Dr. Sheila & & Travis Weaver- Tribune, Kansas
Shane Scheffe- Marienthal, Kansas

Siblings
Gladys Wolf- Windthorst, TX
Marie Vietenheimer- Windthorst, TX
Bernard & (Pat) Scheffe- Windthorst, TX
Bobby & (Pat) Scheffe- Windthorst, TX
(Terry) & Catherine Carlton- Wichita Falls, TX
Evelyn Scheffe – Wichita Falls, TX
Francis Scheffe – Amarillo, TX

Sixteen Grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren

His parents, and three siblings, Earl Scheffe, Henry Scheffe, Jr. and Mildred Koetter precede him in death.

Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 pm Friday and Saturday and from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.

Vigil services will be held 7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 22, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am Monday, September 23, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas with Father Tim Hickey officiating.

Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery in Marienthal, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to Clyde Scheffe Memorial Fund in Care of Price and Sons.

Condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at priceandsons.com

Hansen Foundation now part of Kansas Complete Count Committee

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Kansas Complete Count committee

KDOC

WICHITA – The Kansas Complete Count Committee, created through executive order by Governor Laura Kelly in April to assist the U.S. Census Bureau in promoting participation in the 2020 Census, met for the first time recently in Wichita.

“Every voice is important, and every Kansan must be counted,” Governor Kelly said. “In addition to the amount of federal funding that is on the line, we need an accurate picture of our communities so that we can properly plan for the future. The members of the Complete Count Committee are qualified professionals eager to make sure we have an accurate count.”

Brian McClendon, a Lawrence Democrat, and Joyce Warshaw, a Dodge City Republican, serve as co-chairs of the committee. McClendon is a professor at the University of Kansas and the former vice president of Google and Uber. Warshaw serves on the board of directors for the Kansas League of Municipalities and is the vice mayor of Dodge City.

“We’ve been meeting with stakeholders and recruiting members of our committee for months, so it was wonderful to finally have them all together to formally begin our efforts on Census participation,” Warshaw said. “These efforts are crucial to ensuring we have an accurate count in 2020.”

According to Warshaw, for every person not counted in the 2020 Census, Kansas stands to lose about $2,000 in federal funds per year for 10 years. That funding goes to dozens of programs such as Head Start, KanCare and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The Census will determine how the federal government distributes over $6 billion in federal funds to Kansas every year.

“Our state receives federal funding for everything from law enforcement to infrastructure to healthcare,” Warshaw said. “Since this affects so many different aspects of life in Kansas, we wanted to make sure our Complete Count Committee included a diverse group of people from across the state representing different communities with different interests.”

McClendon said they had been working with the Governor’s Office and the Kansas Department of Commerce to find and recruit members of the committee. The committee now includes representatives from nonprofit organizations such as Kansas Catholic Charities, Kansas Appleseed, Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan, El Centro and Kansas Farm Bureau. It also includes elected officials from across the state.

“It was great to see such a broad range of Kansans focused on helping Kansans get counted in the Census,” McClendon said. “It was a very productive session with many stepping up to take on more.”

During the Sept. 10 initial meeting, McClendon urged committee members to reach out to help form local Complete Count Committees in their communities to promote Census participation.

Emily Kelley, Complete Count Committee member and partnership coordinator for Kansas with the U.S. Census Bureau, also invited members to attend the formal openings of Census Bureau field offices in Overland Park and Wichita on Oct. 1. Governor Kelly will be attending the opening of the Overland Park office, while Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers will be at the Wichita opening.

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